The Indian women’s cricket team etched their names in the record books on January 15, 2025, by delivering a monumental performance in a One Day International (ODI) against Ireland at Rajkot. In an innings that showcased power, precision, and unparalleled skill, the Indian team amassed 435 runs for the loss of five wickets, their highest-ever total in women’s ODIs. This feat not only eclipsed the Indian men’s team’s record ODI total of 418 runs (set in 2011 against the West Indies) but also placed them among the highest team totals in the history of women’s cricket.
Here’s a closer look at the historic milestone, the key contributors, and the significance of this achievement.
India’s Record-Breaking Total
The Indian innings was a masterclass in modern ODI batting. A combination of aggressive stroke play, strategic partnerships, and fearless cricket saw them score 435/5 in 50 overs. The total is now the fourth-highest score in the history of women’s ODIs, reflecting the team’s growing dominance on the world stage.
This extraordinary effort was characterized by:
- 57 boundaries, including nine sixes, the most ever recorded by the Indian women’s team in a single innings.
- A run rate of 8.70, which underscores the pace and aggression with which the team played.
India’s monumental total was also complemented by their bowling unit, which bundled out Ireland for 131 runs, securing a victory by a colossal margin of 304 runs—their largest-ever win in ODIs.
Star Performances: The Heroes of the Day
Pratika Rawal’s Majestic Century
Opener Pratika Rawal was the standout performer, anchoring the innings with a magnificent knock of 154 runs off 129 balls. Her innings, laced with boundaries and elegant stroke play, was a perfect blend of aggression and composure. Rawal’s ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries kept the momentum firmly in India’s favor throughout her stay at the crease.
Rawal’s 154 marked her career-best ODI score and showcased her ability to rise to the occasion in critical matches.
Smriti Mandhana’s Explosive Contribution
At the other end, Smriti Mandhana played one of the most explosive innings of her career. Her 135 runs off just 80 balls included a flurry of boundaries and sixes, leaving the Irish bowlers helpless. Mandhana’s strike rate of 168.75 epitomized her aggressive intent and put immense pressure on the opposition.
The opening partnership between Rawal and Mandhana yielded a staggering 233 runs, the third-highest opening stand in the history of women’s ODIs. Their synergy set the perfect foundation for the team’s record total.
Richa Ghosh’s Late-Order Fireworks
The middle and lower orders built on the platform laid by the openers, with Richa Ghosh delivering a cameo that further demoralized the Irish bowlers. Ghosh smashed 59 runs in just over half an hour at the crease, ensuring India’s innings finished on a high. Her fearless approach and ability to clear the boundary underlined the depth in India’s batting lineup.
The Opposition’s Struggles
The Irish bowling attack found themselves at the mercy of India’s relentless batting onslaught. Among the bowlers, Orla Prendergast stood out, picking up two wickets for 71 runs. However, the lack of support from her teammates meant Ireland could do little to contain India’s march towards a historic total.
With the bat, Ireland failed to mount any significant resistance. The Indian bowlers, led by their spinners, exploited the conditions to perfection, bundling Ireland out for 131 runs.
Top 5 Highest Totals in Women’s ODIs
India’s spectacular performance in Rajkot earned them a spot among the top five highest team totals in women’s ODIs. Here’s how the rankings stand:
1. New Zealand Women – 491/4 vs. Ireland (June 8, 2018)
New Zealand holds the all-time record for the highest total in women’s ODIs. Their 491/4 against Ireland was achieved at a mind-boggling run rate of 9.82. The innings featured standout contributions from multiple batters, highlighting New Zealand’s batting depth.
2. New Zealand Women – 455/5 vs. Pakistan (January 29, 1997)
The second spot belongs to another Kiwi performance, where New Zealand scored 455/5 against Pakistan in Christchurch. Their aggressive approach, with a run rate of 9.10, overwhelmed the opposition, reflecting their consistency in posting massive totals.
3. New Zealand Women – 440/3 vs. Ireland (June 13, 2018)
Just five days after their record-breaking 491/4, New Zealand repeated their dominance against Ireland with a total of 440/3, further solidifying their position as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
4. India Women – 435/5 vs. Ireland (January 15, 2025)
India’s entry into the top five came with their monumental performance against Ireland. The innings was a statement of intent, with Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana leading the charge. The victory also marked India’s largest-ever margin in ODIs—304 runs.
5. New Zealand Women – 418/5 vs. Ireland (June 10, 2018)
Completing the list is yet another dominant performance by New Zealand against Ireland. Their 418/5 showcased the gulf in class between the two sides during that period.
A New Era for India Women’s Cricket
The record-breaking performance in Rajkot is more than just a statistical achievement—it’s a testament to the evolution of women’s cricket in India. Over the past few years, Indian women’s cricket has seen a surge in talent, professionalism, and global recognition. Players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and emerging stars like Pratika Rawal have become household names, inspiring a new generation of cricketers.
This match also underscores the growing emphasis on aggressive and fearless cricket. India’s ability to consistently score at over eight runs an over reflects their readiness to compete with the best teams in the world.
What’s Next for Team India?
The victory against Ireland sets the tone for an exciting year ahead for Indian women’s cricket. With major tournaments on the horizon, including the ICC Women’s World Cup, this performance will serve as a confidence booster for the team. The focus now shifts to maintaining consistency and building on this momentum to achieve greater heights.
The Indian women’s cricket team’s historic performance against Ireland is a defining moment in the sport. It not only highlights their growing dominance but also sets a new standard for excellence. With players like Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana leading the charge, the future of Indian women’s cricket looks brighter than ever.
As fans celebrate this achievement, the message is clear: India is here to dominate, and the world is watching.
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